tim's Bits and Pieces - 26. A Walk on the Riverbank

The river no longer rages here, it is tamed and placid
not by its own volition; there was no choice.
And I walk along, over the round and oval stones;
the only water touching these rocks are my tears.

I pick up a smooth spherical stone and heft it in my hand
cool and almost soft, its rough edges worn by water and time.
It is so unlike my broken heart, which feels jagged in my chest.
Thoughts of you circle my head; words I cannot capture.

You are the one from my dreams; the one at arm’s length.
The love I feel is real, even if I have never touched you.
I wonder why the universe would show me what I want,
knowing I will never have the opportunity to reach it.

I cannot live with you or without you; I don’t know what to do.
Sometimes it's not enough just knowing that you’re there
The ache I feel is real and I know you feel it also;
perhaps in another life we have touched and known the other.

I return the stone to its compatriots; it rolls before settling.
My shoes slip on this abandoned bank, and I wonder
if these rocks will ever feel the rush of water over them.
Just as I wonder if life will return to my lost and broken heart.

~~~